Poll

Today's News

Programs in Fayette County over the weekend paid tribute to this country's veterans.

First photo: David Cox and Richard Lowe retire the American flag at the St. Elmo American Legion Post's Veterans Memorial. Second photo: Brownstown High School choral students (from left) Lakin Evans, Hannah Koehler, Krystyn Fitch, Caitlyn Reeter and Sydney Rosborough perform in "A Musical Salute to Veterans." Third photo: Brad Brannon stands at attention at the Crawford-Hale American Legion Post 95 program in Vandalia.

The Fayette County Board passed on Tuesday what it hopes will be a balanced budget.
Several factors, however, could dash their hopes.
The budget approved by the board estimates general fund revenues in the coming fiscal year, which begins on Dec. 1, to total $4,323,214, and expenditures at $4,374,956.
But that deficit turns into a surplus of about $255,000 with carryover revenue that exceeded the projected revenue amount for this fiscal year, according to board Chairman Steve Knebel.

The revamped South Central Conference debuts this school year, and prior to each season, The Leader-Union will be asking Vandalia’s coaches how they think the changes will affect their team.

A list of all of the changes follows.

1) Gillespie and Staunton have replaced East Alton-Wood River and Marquette Catholic.
2) There will no longer be divisional play in any sport, with all teams that used to have divisions to play one game that counts in the conference standings.

The Vandals will open the 2012-13 basketball season against a county rival next Tuesday.

South Central will host the Vandals in both teams’ season-opener and coach Brian Buscher’s debut as Vandalia head coach.

For the Cougars, senior Fischer Tharp will be looking to score his 1,000th career point. He needs 20 points in the game, and in last season’s matchup, he was able to score 18 in a 53-36 Vandalia victory.